Our Reporter
The 51 rehabilitated Ekoli-Edda vigilante members and residents of the communities have thrown support to Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi state ahead of the 2027 elections.
Our Correspondent recalls that Nwifuru had sometime in March 2025 granted amnesty to the 51 ‘warlord’ in the area and empowered them with N2 millions each.
The vigilante members were detained following the boundary crisis between Ekoli Edda in Ebonyi and their neighbouring communities, Egbor and Urugbam of Cross River over the lease of Palm plantation.
During the period of their detention, they undergone six week disarmament programme initiated by the Nigerian Army in collaboration with state government in various skills, such as: sewing, carpentry, farming among others.
The Beneficiaries speaking in Edda on Monday at a Reception and Thanksgiving ceremony in appreciation of the Governor, said they were happy to be freed from detention.
Mr Anya Okoro, one of the beneficiaries described Governor as “people’s governor” and urged the people to support his policies, especially on peace building initiative.
Okoro, who was trained in fish farming business during their detention, said the Thanksgiving and reception in appreciation of the Governor was a welcome development.
“Yes, we, the 51 Amnesty’s beneficiaries and the entire community have gone to church on Sunday, Saint Andrew Presbyterian, Ekoli-Edda to praise and thank God on what the Governor have done for them, the entire Edda people, Ebonyi and Nigeria at large.
“We have long ago surrendered our armes and I thank God for the peace we are enjoying today in our communities,” he added.
Mr Sunday Udu-Orji, another Beneficiary, who received Carpentry skill also hailed the good gesture of Governor Nwifuru’s administration.
“I am happy for what is happening today in our community. Thank God, peace have been restored for my people and I have started my carpentry business, which I was trained during our detention,” Udu-Orji said
Mr Eni-Uduma Chima, Chairman of Ebonyi Fertilizer Board expressed happy the way the Governor and the security personnel handled the matter.
Chima, former Chairman of Edda Local Government of the state noted that his people would continue to be thankful to Governor for bringing maximum peace and tranquility to their communities.
“So, we are grateful and we have gathered as community to thank the Governor for what God have used him to do for our people.
“We have come to reassured ourselves that there was need for peaceful coexistence.
“I am also happy that the beneficiaries have started their businesses and hopefully they are all doing good,” he said.
On 2027 election, the Chairman said the support of his people to the Governor should be taken for granted.
According to him, my people is fully with the governor. We have been supporting him in all the elections and 2027 is not negotiable.
“So far, so good, peace have returned in our homes and we will stand together and give our support to the Governor, come 2027,” he stated.
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